Gender differences in ICT use and information literacy in public libraries: A study in a Rio de Janeiro public library

Abstract

We approached gender differences in information and communication technology (ICT) use and appropriation and other aspects of information literacy in this study that focused on users of a large and modern public library located in a poor neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro. We took into account the literature and research evidence that considered the importance of the public library as a place for ICT and information literacy development. We also took into account the literature and evidence on gender differences in ICT use that tend to emphasize that women show lower interest in ICT and lower levels of ICT literacy. We obtained the empirical data through a study carried out in a new experience called “park library”. As a whole, the data suggested that these public library experiences do not seem to represent a major contribution to the development of information literacy of this user group.